Category: News Room

The Bauchi State Government has commenced the development of its 2026–2028 Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS), focusing on Education, Health, Agriculture, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), as part of efforts to enhance service delivery.

The four-day session, which began on Monday, August 18, 2025, was organized by the State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination with support from UNICEF Bauchi Field Office. It drew participants from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations, and other key stakeholders.

Declaring the session open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Jibrin Muhammad Yusuf, commended participants for honoring the invitation. He explained that the MTSS is a crucial planning and budgeting tool that strengthens fiscal discipline, improves resource allocation, and enhances service delivery.

Yusuf added that the MTSS also defines clear outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators to strengthen budget performance, while providing a framework for effective monitoring and evaluation of sectoral targets.

Speaking earlier, an official of the Ministry, Sadiq Usman, highlighted that one of the key objectives of the MTSS is to align sector policies, plans, and programmes with the State’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and annual budgets. According to him, the strategy ensures scarce resources are directed to critical and high-impact priorities, such as maternal and child health in the health sector.

Usman further emphasized that the MTSS promotes transparency, accountability, and participation of MDAs, development partners, civil society, and citizens in planning and budgeting processes.

Our correspondent reports that the exercise will last four days, during which participants will work on developing the MTSS document for the 2026–2028 cycle in the focus sectors of Health, Education, Agriculture, and WASH.

A bold new chapter opened for Bauchi State this week as the government, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), unveiled the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework (DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative).

The flagship programme is designed to equip citizens with the digital tools they need to thrive in the 21st century and position Bauchi as a rising hub of innovation in Northern Nigeria.

Declaring the initiative open, Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor described digital literacy as “a fundamental right for all citizens” and a cornerstone of the state’s development vision.

Governor Mohammed emphasized that the ultimate aim is to create jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.

He noted that Bauchi has invested heavily in infrastructure over the past six years to unlock opportunities and connect its vibrant youth to global markets.

NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Representing Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA’s director general, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola praised Bauchi State for its forward-thinking approach.

The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six competencies: device and software use, data literacy, digital content creation, communication, safety, and problem-solving.

Three Pillars of the DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative

The programme will be delivered through three major pathways: Informal Sector Programme:

•  Targeting artisans, traders, and informal workers with practical digital skills. Already, 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions trained by NITDA and the NYSC have reached more than 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million by 2027.
• Workforce Readiness Programme: Designed for public servants, graduates, and job seekers, focusing on employability and productivity skills. NITDA aims to train five million workers nationwide, working with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.
• Educational Sector Programme: Integrating digital literacy into schools. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, with plans to train 3,600 teachers across the country.

Bauchi’s Digital Ambition

Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset, Inuwa noted that Bauchi—with its abundant talent and strategic location, can become a hub for digital innovation and transformation.

Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, director general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, echoed this vision.

“This is not just about launching a programme; it is about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State,” he said.

He reaffirmed Bauchi’s ambition to build a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy that generates jobs and revenue while bridging the digital divide.

A Milestone Moment

The launch attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and lawmakers, underscoring its importance in the state’s transformation journey.

For Bauchi, the DL4ALL Initiative marks more than just a policy milestone, it signals the state’s determination to embrace technology as a driver of opportunity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, plays a prominent role at the Sahel Governance Forum in Banjul, The Gambia, as he emphasizes the need for transparent economic governance and inclusive development in the region.

Mohammed called for equitable management of the Sahel’s natural resources, youth empowerment programs, and stronger anti-corruption measures, as his remarks aligned with the forum’s broader goal of fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development.

Governor Mohammed who is with his boss and Nigeria’s former President, Dr Goodluck E. Jonathan, emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration, urges Sahelian nations to invest in joint infrastructure projects and harmonized policies to combat insecurity and illicit financial flows.

According to a press statement by Lawan Muazu, new media aide to the Governor, attendees of the forum include the ECOWAS officials and UN representatives among others.

In a bid to formalize local mining activities in line with Federal Government laws, the Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources Development, in collaboration with Bladira Global Consulting Firm Limited, has trained 114 youths as enumerators. These enumerators will be deployed across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas to capture data on mining activities.

At the flag-off ceremony, Bauchi State Commissioner of Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Maiwada Bello, stated that the initiative aims to streamline the mining sector, promote economic growth, and ensure environmental sustainability.

He said that, after the training, the enumerators will gather data on all informal miners to create a comprehensive database, providing accurate information on mining activities in the state.

The Commissioner emphasized the state government’s commitment, under Governor Bala Mohammed, to bringing informal miners into the formal sector, ensuring they operate within the legal framework and adhere to environmental and safety standards.

“This data-driven approach will enable the government to make informed decisions on boosting revenue generation through taxes and royalties”.

Commissioner Bello also expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for creating an enabling environment for mining activities through infrastructural development, such as roads linking mining communities to urban centers.

He urged the enumerators to absorb all knowledge and pay close attention to the consultant’s instructions on technology-driven data collection.

The lead consultant, Dr. Elizabeth Sabaatu Danladi, explained that the training aims to equip participants with the skills to capture accurate data using technology-driven tools.

She commended the Bauchi State Government for taking bold steps in the mining sector and noted that the knowledge acquired by the youths would be useful beyond the enumeration exercise.

Goodwill messages were received from key stakeholders, including Mining Associations, Security Agencies, and Management Staff of the State Ministry of Natural Resources Development.

Out of the 114 youths trained, 92 will serve as enumerators, while 22 will supervise them across all mining sites in the state.

The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the recent violent clashes between farmers and herders in Aliya, Yautare, and Farin Ruwa forests of Darazo Local Government Area.

Inaugurating the committee at Government House Bauchi, the State Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau who also serves as chairman of the committee charged members to be diligent, fair and impartial in discharging their responsibilities.

The committee, comprised members of the State House of Assembly representing Darazo and Sade constituencies, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Commissioners of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lands and Survey, Internal Security as well as the Chief Security Officer to the Governor.

Others are Special Adviser on Housing and Environment, traditional leaders including the Sarkin Fulanin Sade and representatives of the Fulani and farming communities.

According to the deputy Governor terms of reference of the committee are determining both the immediate and remote causes of the clashes, identifying victims of the incident, fishing out the perpetrators and recommending appropriate punishment and ensuring proper demarcation of the disputed lands among others.

The committee is to submit a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations within two weeks.

It could be recalled that Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier today paid a visit to Darazo Local Government Area in a swift response to the conflict, where he met with stakeholders and community leaders to douse tension and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, has described the death of Alhaji Iafaru Abubakar Ilelah, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Bala Mohammad on Public Enlightenment popularly called “A Koma Gona” as a great loss not only to his family, and Bauchi Emirate Council but to the entire people and government of Bauchi State.

The union, in a statement signed by its secretary Isah Garba Gadau, expressed shock over the death of the veteran administrator, public relations and public enlightenment expert, whose contributions to the development of humanity can not easily be quantified.

The NUJ Bauchi Council while condoling the immediate family of the deceased,Governor Bala Mohammed and the Emir of Bauchi Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu over the huge loss, prayed Allah to grant him Jannatul Firdausi and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

It further states that the exit of the icon has created a vacuum difficult to fill in the near future.

The Bauchi State Government has taken decisive action in addressing longstanding issues at the Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Gadau, with the immediate dismissal of the university’s Acting Bursar, Ayuba Mohammed Gital. The decision comes in response to alleged irregularities surrounding his appointment and financial conduct in office.

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed announced the dismissal on Thursday while receiving the final report of the Visitation Panel set up to investigate the root causes of persistent industrial disputes within the university. The governor said the panel’s findings necessitated urgent reforms to ensure transparency, particularly in the handling of internally generated revenues and funds collected from students.

In a move aimed at restoring public confidence in the institution’s financial management, the governor also disclosed that a special audit committee would be constituted. This committee will investigate all revenue transactions and financial practices at SAZU, particularly focusing on student fees and other internal income sources.

Governor Mohammed noted that the state government had, until now, deliberately refrained from interfering in the financial affairs of SAZU to preserve its autonomy. However, the situation, he said, now required government intervention to safeguard the university’s integrity and the interests of students, staff, and the broader academic community.

“The report has revealed critical gaps in accountability and transparency,” the governor stated. “We can no longer afford to ignore these issues, especially where student funds and public resources are concerned. We owe it to the people of Bauchi State to ensure that higher education institutions operate with the highest standards of responsibility.”

The report presented to the governor was the result of a comprehensive review process. According to the panel’s chairperson, Professor Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, the panel engaged extensively with stakeholders, reviewed numerous memoranda, and visited all three campuses of the university. The findings and recommendations, she said, are aimed at stabilising the institution and improving its overall governance.

Professor Abdullahi expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and urged the state government to implement the panel’s recommendations without delay. “Our work was guided by the need to reposition SAZU as a functional and credible centre of learning,” she stated. “We believe these recommendations will go a long way in restoring trust and improving service delivery at the university.”

Governor Mohammed lauded the panel for its thoroughness and pledged to present the report to the State Executive Council for further action. He also hinted at broader reforms across tertiary institutions in the state to strengthen transparency, promote academic excellence, and address staff welfare concerns.

The developments at SAZU come amid growing calls nationwide for improved governance and accountability in public universities. Education stakeholders in Bauchi and beyond are now watching closely to see how the government’s decisions will impact the future of the institution and serve as a template for similar interventions elsewhere.

The Bauchi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has launched a four-day training program for 53 Programme Officers and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from local government areas. The training aims to boost health sector planning and coordination across the state’s local government areas in preparation for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan.

This initiative is part of the Nigeria Healthcare Sector Wide Approach (SWAp), a management framework designed to streamline coordination between federal, state, and local governments. The program focuses on developing a SMART and realistic Annual Operational Plan tailored to local health needs, ultimately improving healthcare delivery.

According to Ibrahim Muhammad, Acting SWAp Desk Officer in Bauchi, the training follows a national-level Training of Trainers attended by three selected Programme Officers from the state. Muhammad reaffirmed Bauchi’s commitment to aligning with national health priorities, emphasizing the state’s dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes.

The SWAp initiative seeks to address pressing healthcare challenges through a comprehensive strategy encompassing governance, resource optimization, financing coordination, and community empowerment. This approach has been recognized as a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings.¹

Dr. Ashiru Abubakar, Technical Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of Health on SWAp, highlighted that realistic budgeting and timely fund releases are crucial for states to access federal health interventions, ultimately improving health outcomes in rural areas.

Our correspondent reports that the capacity-building for health program officers, Bauchi State is taking proactive steps towards achieving improved health outcomes and strengthening its healthcare system.

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has emphasised the importance of the planned International Investment Summit, stressing that it will showcase the state and open it up to diversified investment opportunities.

The governor, therefore, called on both local and foreign investors to seize the numerous opportunities that the upcoming summit is designed to highlight.

He assured that the summit will take place at the newly constructed Bauchi International Conference Center (BICC)—a world-class facility equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.

Speaking during an inspection of the project on Tuesday, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the conference center, commending the contractors for their dedication and professionalism.

He noted that the summit will serve as a platform to promote the state’s vast mineral and natural resources, attract investors, and drive economic growth and development.

According to him, “With its rich natural resources and conducive business environment, Bauchi State is an attractive destination for investors.”

Governor Mohammed further assured that his administration has implemented investor-friendly policies, including tax holidays and a “one-stop-shop” initiative to support businesses.

The summit is expected to promote sustainable development, encourage environmentally conscious growth, and cement Bauchi State’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Scheduled for October, the Bauchi International Investment Summit is a significant event that will bring together investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and challenges in the state.

Deputy governor of Bauchi state, H.E Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Monday reaffirmed his personal commitment towards supporting the state government towards ensuring effective teaching and learning across all the educational institutions in the state.

Speaking at the 10th year anniversary of the Government Girls College, Sakwa, in Zaki local government area of the state, Jatau recalled his effort during the administration of former Governor Malam Isah Yuguda for the upgrade of the college from a teachers’ college to its current status as a Government Girls College.

He noted that the transition was driven by the conviction that investing in girls’ education is vital not only to individual futures, but to societal progress and announced that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has not only sustained that vision, but has continued to build on it with bold and strategic investments in education.

As part of his personal support as former head boy in the old Government Teachers College now Government Girls College, Sakwa, the deputy governor installed solar-powered streetlights within the school premises to enhance security, and creating a conducive environment for both students and staff.

“This college holds a special place in my heart. As a former head boy of the old Government Teachers’ College, Sakwa, I still remember those early morning assemblies, the lessons under the mango trees, and the values instilled in us by passionate teachers, many of whom laid the foundation of what we have become today.

“So for me returning here today, in this historic institution now known as Government Girls College, Sakwa, is not just a political engagement, but a homecoming, a journey through memory, and a reaffirmation of my lifelong commitment to the progress of this great community.”